What Gets Us Up in the Morning *
As architects, we recognize the value of a beautifully designed building, but we also realize that the modern construction process can take a toll on our planet. This is especially true when materials are shipped from distant places like China, leaving a significant carbon footprint, polluting our seas, air and water supplies. Moreover, while this may help sustain China’s growth and development, it does nothing for the well-being of communities across America.
So we created this directory to make it easy for architects and builders to connect with products and services vendors local to their project. We hope that this will benefit all involved: sellers will find new customers, builders will be able to purchase building materials nearby, local economies will get a boost, and our planet will get a break.
The Community Project
We want Various Monks to play a key role in the green efforts on the local level in every corner of America. Have you ever gotten one of those store receipts that list at the bottom the percentage of the retail price that stays in the community versus going to another part of the world, depending on where your item was produced? If so – and if this made you more aware of where the stuff you purchase comes from – you will be interested to know that much of what we do at Various Monks aims to highlight the benefits of shopping for construction materials as close to home as possible. This helps local manufacturers, artisans, small business owners, and all those who depend on them. It strengthens local economies by preserving wealth where it is created, but also allows individuals to develop skills and expertise they can pass on to others, fostering social cohesion.
Communities that are socially connected, where individuals have marketable skills and local resources are efficiently and responsibly utilized not only make for great places to live, but are also more resistant to fluctuations in national or global economic conditions.
Bottom line: by joining the Various Monks vendor family or by making Various Monks the go-to place for your construction needs, you can help us achieve the Community Project vision.
Our Team
Jason Arndt
architect | founder | ceo
Jason graduated from Columbia University (go Lions) and currently is trying to change the world for the better one building/website at a time. He’s a registered architect, LEED accredited professional, and part-time runner. Boston Marathon or Bust.
Patrycja Podrazik
writer | founder
Patrycja has degrees in Economics and European Studies, and has worked in international relations and online marketing both in Europe and in the United States. In her spare time, she is working on a historical novel. She has never seen a paper cup or a plastic container she didn’t want to recycle.
Aaron Udy
architect | coo
Aaron graduated from the University of Idaho. Aaron sees the value in using local building materials. He’s a registered architect, a LEED accredited professional, and home remodeler. He’s always looking for a way to put together a project that is well designed, innovative and green.
*We really love architecture!
